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The first class of soldiers from Duntroon are nearing graduation under the Australian Defence Force’s revised 12-month Officer Commissioning Program.
Defence had previously announced that under a new approach, the Officer Commissioning Program (OCP) would be trialled over 12 months rather than 18 months, from January to December 2024.
Under the two-year trial program, trainees receive the same training in a shorter format, meet the same graduation standards and qualifications, and graduate as lieutenants on completion of the course.
Commandant Land Combat College Brigadier Jason Groat has recently confirmed that further adjustments have been made to the program as participants near graduation in December.
“Throughout the year, I’ve provided updates on how the trial 12-month OCP is tracking, and where we’ve made some adjustments to improve training outcomes and develop combat behaviours,” he said.
“I’m pleased to share that the current cohort is achieving all the training objectives, qualifications and combat behaviours of previous cohorts on the old program.
“The current class is on track to complete their final module, the Foundation Command module, in early December 2024.
“They have recently completed the Foundational Leadership module, which incorporated Exercise Shaggy Ridge, the arduous activity that incorporates mental and physical challenges to test leadership and character.
“The class continues to perform well through the new curriculum.”
Amendments made to the 12-month program include an additional week incorporated into the Foundation Warfighting module to give staff cadets more tactical field platoon command opportunities, further investment in simulation to increase the staff cadets’ exposure and experience with post H Hour decision making as well as alignment of the program to nest with the new ADF planning doctrine.
“The first Duntroon class to undertake the full 12-month Officer Commissioning Program is due to graduate in December. This is an important occasion for the graduates and their families, and for Army. It will also be my final parade as commandant of the Land Combat College,” Groat said.
“Following their graduation from Duntroon in December, Army’s newest lieutenants will join their receiving units and continue training in their corps or specialisation. Their progress will be evaluated and if further adjustments need to be made, we will be sure to make them.”
